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Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil, heavy oil, or simply diesel, is a liquid fuel used in diesel engines, which are internal combustion engines that use compression to ignite the fuel without a spark. The most common type of diesel fuel is a fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil, but biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid (BTL), and gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel are becoming more popular. Diesel fuel grades are classified as 1D, 2D, or 4D, with 1D and 2D used for high-speed engines and 4D for low-speed, stationary units. The grade of diesel fuel impacts its viscosity, pour point, and cetane number, with 1D designed for cold weather operation and 2D for warmer weather. The amount of heat energy per gallon, measured in British thermal units (Btu), also varies between grades, with 2D containing more Btus and thus delivering more power.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common use | Used in tractors, heavy equipment, oil and gas extracting equipment |
| Composition | Petroleum-derived diesel (also called petrodiesel) or non-petroleum alternatives such as biodiesel, biomass to liquid (BTL), or gas to liquid (GTL) diesel |
| Fractional distillate | Specific fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil |
| Sulphur content | Ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) has substantially lowered sulfur content |
| Standards | Standardized in many countries, e.g., European Union's standard EN 590 |
| Viscosity | Important characteristic, higher in 2D fuels for warmer weather |
| Pour point | Lowest temperature at which a liquid will flow, lower in 1D fuels for cold weather operation |
| Btu rating | Higher Btu rating provides greater power yield per gallon and higher mpg, but excessive Btu can damage the engine |
| Cetane rating | Diesel's equivalent to gasoline's octane rating, higher number indicates easier ignition |
| Grades | 1D, 2D, and 4D; 1D and 2D for high-speed engines, 4D for low-speed engines |
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What You'll Learn
Standards for diesel fuel
Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil, heavy oil, or simply diesel, is a liquid fuel designed for use in a diesel engine, a type of internal combustion engine. Diesel fuel is a high-volume product of oil refineries and is commonly used in tractors, heavy equipment, and oil and gas extraction equipment.
Diesel fuel standards vary by region and are set by regulatory bodies to ensure fuel quality, emission control, and environmental protection. Here are the standards for diesel fuel in different regions:
United States
In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates diesel fuel standards. The EPA has been reducing sulfur levels in diesel fuel since 1993 to decrease harmful emissions. In 2006, the EPA began phasing in stricter regulations, lowering the sulfur content in diesel fuel to 15 parts per million (ppm), known as Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD). By 2010, the EPA mandated that all highway diesel fuel and vehicles must use ULSD.
The EPA's diesel standards also cover nonroad engines, equipment, locomotives, and marine diesel. From 2007 to 2014, low sulfur diesel fuel (500 ppm) and ULSD were introduced for these applications. After 2014, the EPA required that all nonroad, locomotive, and marine diesel fuel and engines use ULSD, with some exceptions for older engines.
Additionally, the EPA is proposing corrections to diesel fuel regulations to align with the global sulfur standard and facilitate the distribution of distillate diesel fuel for global marine use.
Some states, like California, have their own fuel regulations. California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) sets requirements for the renewable content of diesel fuel, and it also regulates properties like API gravity, lubricity, and polycyclic aromatics.
Europe
In the European Union, the standard for diesel fuel is covered by EN 590. Over the years, European emission standards have driven a significant reduction in sulfur content. In the 1990s, the maximum sulfur content was 2000 ppm, which was lowered to 350 ppm with Euro 3 specifications. With the introduction of Euro 4 by 2006, the limit was further reduced to 50 ppm (ULSD). The Euro 5 standard, in force as of 2009, set the maximum sulfur content at 10 ppm.
Other Regions
Other countries and regions are also transitioning to ULSD and implementing their own standards for diesel fuel. For example, as of 2016, almost all petroleum-based diesel fuel available in the United Kingdom, mainland Europe, and North America was of the ULSD type. Additionally, alternative diesel fuels, such as biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid (BTL), and gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel, are being developed and adopted globally.
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Diesel fuel classifications
The choice between 1D and 2D fuel depends on the operating temperature and engine specifications. Each manufacturer usually specifies the recommended operating temperature and cetane rating for their fuels. Additionally, the Btu rating is important as it affects the fuel economy, with a lower Btu rating resulting in decreased fuel mileage. The 4D fuel classification is not suitable for most mobile equipment and is typically used in low-speed, stationary units.
In terms of accessibility and affordability, 2D fuel is considered the standard fuel grade and is widely available at refueling stations. It is also less expensive than 1D fuel due to its simpler production process. However, 1D fuel is recommended for fleets that operate in all weather conditions as it contains additives that improve performance and minimize downtime. These additives include lubricants, detergents, and demulsifiers, which help keep water out of the fuel supply and prevent corrosion.
It is worth noting that diesel fuel classifications can vary based on geographic location and regulatory standards. For example, in the European Union, diesel fuel is standardized under EN 590, and the specifications for sulfur content have become increasingly stringent over the years, leading to the widespread adoption of Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD). Similarly, the United States transitioned to ULSD in 2006, and it became mandatory in 2010.
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Btu value and viscosity
Diesel fuel is a hydrocarbon mixture with approximately 8 to 21 carbon atoms per molecule, obtained by crude oil distillation. It is used to power diesel engines in road vehicles, watercraft, rail vehicles, and stationary engines. The most common grade is diesel fuel No. 2. An important characteristic of diesel fuel is its viscosity, which refers to the thickness of the fuel. Viscosity is important because it affects the flow of the fuel, especially in cold weather. When the weather is extremely cold, diesel fuel can become thicker and cloudier, and even transform into a gel-like texture that cannot be used in engines.
Diesel fuel No. 1 has a lower viscosity than No. 2, making it less thick and more flowable. This makes it more effective in cold weather, as it is less likely to gel. No. 1 fuel contains no paraffin wax, which contributes to its high resistance to gelling. However, it also has lower energy content, requiring higher quantities to match the energy content of No. 2 fuel. No. 2 diesel fuel, on the other hand, has a higher viscosity and is therefore better for use in warmer weather. The higher viscosity provides better lubrication for the moving parts of the fuel injection system. Additionally, No. 2 fuel contains wax, which provides a beneficial lubricating effect, protecting the engine and its components from wear and tear.
The British Thermal Unit (BTU) value is another important parameter for diesel fuel. BTU measures the heating value of the fuel, indicating the amount of power it can produce. The higher the BTU rating, the greater the power yield per gallon, resulting in higher mpg. However, it is important to note that an excessively high BTU rating can damage a diesel engine if it exceeds the maximum BTU rating for that engine. Diesel fuel No. 2 has a higher BTU content than No. 1, contributing to its increased power delivery. However, blending No. 2 diesel with kerosene during the winter to prevent gelling results in a lower BTU content and reduced fuel economy.
Viscosity and BTU values are critical factors in diesel engine fuel economy and performance. While No. 2 diesel fuel offers higher BTUs and better lubrication due to its higher viscosity, No. 1 diesel fuel excels in cold weather performance due to its lower viscosity and high resistance to gelling. The choice between these diesel grades depends on the operating conditions, with No. 1 being ideal for cold climates and No. 2 more suitable for warmer environments.
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Sulphur content
Sulphur is a naturally occurring element that is a key component in many amino acids and proteins essential for life on Earth. It is also a natural component of crude oil, which is used to produce diesel fuel. Sulphur is not a lubricant, but it can increase lubricity when combined with nickel in metal alloys.
Sulphur has been a major contributor to air pollution, so regulatory bodies like the EPA have mandated increasingly strict regulations on the amount of sulphur in diesel fuel. Before 2006, most diesel fuel sold in the United States contained high quantities of sulphur. In 2006, the EPA issued requirements to reduce the sulphur content of diesel fuel, and the U.S. transitioned to Ultra-Low Sulphur Diesel (USLD or ULSD), which has a maximum sulphur content of 15 parts per million (ppm).
Similarly, in the European Union, sulphur content has been dramatically reduced over the last 20 years. In the 1990s, specifications allowed for a maximum of 2000 ppm of sulphur, which was reduced to 350 ppm by the beginning of the 21st century. The Euro 4 specifications introduced in 2006 further lowered the limit to 50 ppm, and the Euro 5 standard in force as of 2009 mandates a maximum content of 10 ppm.
The reduction in sulphur content has benefits for both engine performance and the environment. Lower sulphur content results in improved fuel efficiency, as it burns more cleanly, producing less soot and fewer emissions. It also improves engine performance by igniting more quickly and burning more efficiently. Additionally, the use of ultra-low sulphur diesel has significantly reduced harmful emissions, including particulate matter (soot), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulphur dioxide (SO2).
In some cases, older diesel engines or off-road and marine applications may still use high-sulphur diesel fuel (HSD). However, modern diesel fuels now contain far less sulphur due to advancements in the refining process and legislated changes to fuel standards.
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Petroleum-derived diesel
Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil, heavy oil, or simply diesel, is a liquid fuel designed for use in diesel engines. These are internal combustion engines in which fuel ignition occurs without a spark, due to the compression of inlet air and the injection of fuel. Thus, diesel fuel requires good compression ignition characteristics.
The most common type of diesel fuel is a specific fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil. In the past, diesel fuel contained higher quantities of sulfur. However, due to European emission standards and preferential taxation, oil refineries have significantly reduced sulfur levels in diesel fuels. The standard for diesel fuel in Europe as of 2009 is Euro 5, with a maximum sulfur content of 10 parts per million.
In the United States, petroleum-derived diesel comprises about 75% saturated hydrocarbons (mainly paraffins) and 25% aromatic hydrocarbons (including naphthalenes and alkylbenzenes). The average chemical formula for common diesel fuel is C12H23, ranging from approximately C10H20 to C15H28. Most diesel fuels freeze at typical winter temperatures, with petrodiesel freezing at around −8.1 °C (17.4 °F).
Another refinery stream that contributes to diesel fuel is hydrocracking, followed by the addition of kerosene to adjust viscosity. Synthetic diesel can be produced from carbonaceous precursors, with natural gas being the most important. The raw materials are converted into synthesis gas, which is then transformed into synthetic diesel through the Fischer-Tropsch process. This synthetic diesel is primarily composed of paraffins with low sulfur and aromatics content, and it is often blended with petroleum-derived diesel.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil, heavy oil, or simply diesel, is a liquid fuel designed for use in a diesel engine.
Diesel fuel can be classified as 1D, 2D, and 4D. 1D and 2D fuels are for high-speed diesel engines, while 4D fuel is for low-speed diesel engines.
1D fuel is designed for cold weather operation and has a lower pour point. On the other hand, 2D fuel is used in warmer weather and has a higher viscosity and pour point, providing better lubrication.
Important characteristics of diesel fuel include viscosity, pour point, and cetane number. The pour point refers to the lowest temperature at which the fuel will flow, while viscosity is the resistance of the fuel to flow. The cetane number indicates the ease of fuel ignition.
Alternatives to traditional diesel include biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid (BTL), and gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel. These options are not derived from petroleum and are becoming increasingly popular.
